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Should you sign the back of your card or write “See ID”?

One of the biggest questions facing many is whether or not they should sign the back of their credit cards or to instead write “See ID”. There are a few different things that people should be aware of with this, but either way they result from the same problem: the fraud that is plaguing us. People believe that this is a potential way of lowering the risk of credit card fraud, however it is not an effective one, despite how logical it may seem.

In essence, the concept of writing “See ID” on the back of the credit card would seem pretty rational. After all, if the credit card is really yours, you would probably want people to check your ID so as to help lower the risk of credit card fraud. But the problem is that this can backfire in two main ways.

First of all, there is a big problem today with vendors not checking ID in the first place. Technically, all vendors are supposed to check ID whenever a credit card is used. Sadly, this procedure is followed far less often than it should be. The same goes for checking the back of the credit card. People think the vendor will be forced to check their ID since the card isn't signed, but in fact most vendors don't even check to see if it is signed. So, the first problem is the fact that the “See ID” is usually used in vain.

The second problem is in the fact that credit card companies tell vendors they shouldn't even use the credit card unless it is signed. Obviously, since vendors rarely check, that recommendation isn't usually followed. But there is a potential problem in that if the vendor does indeed check the back of the card and instead sees “See ID,” that vendor is not supposed to take the card at all. Whether you have your ID or not doesn't matter at that point according to credit card companies. The vendor is supposed to not take the credit card unless it is signed.

As can be seen, the problem stems deeper than simply writing “See ID.” In concept, it is a pretty good idea to help lower the threat of credit card theft. However, in actuality, it won't work as planned. Instead, it is advised to simply sign the card when you receive it as you are told to do. It is the most recommended way to avoid potential problems.

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